During FOX’s presentation at the Television Critics Association press tour event, the network confirmed that Paula Abdul’s former seat at the “American Idol” judges’ table might not be empty come the show’s season premiere in January.
The audition process will feature “female pop stars” and “female performers” as guest judges. Victoria Beckham of Spice Girls fame and Katy Perry have already been booked as guests.
FOX’s Peter Rice said that the network has not yet locked down a permanent replacement for Abdul, though it remains “probable” that a regular fourth judge will be added to the panel that presently includes Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi.
“For the past 24 hours, we’re focusing on auditions…Between now and January we will find a permanent solution,” said Rice. “There is no expectation that these guest judges will be long-term for us. All of these people we talked to have successful careers so they would not be available [to judge for the full “Idol” season].”